Frank's life began in Norton, a coalfield town in southwestern Virginia, where he drew inspiration from the rich Appalachian storytelling tradition. He earned a degree in English from the University of Virginia at Wise, and soon joined the Roadside Theatre, a part of the Appalachian Film Workshop. For the next decade, he was part of a three-actor ensemble, touring over 400 performances across the country, from tents and prisons to the prestigious Manhattan Theatre Club.
Frank's transition to film began with notable roles in John Sayles' Matewan and Mark Rydell's The River. He soon landed the character of Uncle Bogg in the television series Christy, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished film career. His numerous credits include Sheriff Guidry in Joseph Sargent's Emmy-winning A Lesson Before Dying, and the folk artist David Wark in Phil Morrison's independent film Junebug, a Sundance favorite and one of the year's top ten films.
Frank's personal life is filled with warmth and creativity. He lives on the River Farm in Virginia, where he tends to his bee hives and enjoys the fruits of his garden. It was during a visit to his home that he met Diane Bell and Chris Byrne, who were impressed by his beekeeping skills and the lively music he played. Diane would later contact Frank to ask for his help with her script, Obselidia, and he agreed, bringing his bees to the set in Death Valley. Although the bees on location were not from the River Farm, they played a crucial role in the film's production.
